Understanding Dental Pain and Bacterial Infections

About five years ago, a nagging pain started to form in my back molar. I ignored the pain for about six months, and the discomfort disappeared. The tooth soon cracked while I was munching on some nuts. After some x-rays and a brief meeting with my dentist, I was informed that I needed a root canal procedure. The dentist explained that the initial dental pain indicated that I had a dental infection. The bacteria destroyed the pulp and nerve inside the tooth, and this left the molar dead and brittle. The tooth was later repaired with a crown, and I started to investigate dental infections. I know now that dental infections are extremely serious. Bacteria can spread through the mouth, to the heart, and to the brain. In some cases, infectious bacteria can even destroy the jaw. You need to know these facts too, so you can retain your health.

2015

Experts estimate that more than 35 million people in the United States today are missing all their teeth. If your natural teeth are missing, there are some ways you can replace these teeth in order to restore functionality to your mouth once again.
Here are three options you might want to consider when it comes to a full mouth restoration in the future.
1. Traditional Dentures
While you might be reluctant to invest in a full set of dentures, modern technology has allowed dentures to fit more comfortably than ever before.
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Dental implants are quickly becoming the most popular way to replace missing or severely damaged teeth. However, like all tooth replacement options, dental implants are not right for everybody. By taking a moment to review both the pros and cons associated with these implants, you will be able to determine whether or not they are right for you.
The Pros
Dental implants have several impressive benefits to offer. These benefits include
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There are cosmetic dentistry procedures that you may hear about so much that you think those are the only procedures available to improve the appearance of an otherwise healthy smile. Many people know about teeth-whitening and porcelain veneers, but there are other procedures that get talked about less, so you might not know they exist. Become informed of all your cosmetic dentistry options, and you may realize that although a full set of veneers may be out of your budget right now, there are other ways to have your smile improved that you may be able to fit into your budget.
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Getting children to brush their teeth can be impossible sometimes. Even if they do brush their teeth, they may just gloss over their mouth with a toothbrush without being very thorough. If you want your child to develop good dental habits, then follow these 3 tips.
Brushing Rewards
First, consider rewards for your children to help them start brushing more regularly and for longer periods of time. For example, create a chart where you can award stars or write in points for your children when they brush.
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Spring cleaning is commonly considered something you do for your house, but spring is a good time to do some maintenance on your dental hygiene routine, too. To reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental ailments, follow this checklist to spring clean your dental routine.
Make sure you're brushing thoroughly.
The American Dental Association recommend brushing for 2 minutes, twice a day. Most people speed through their brushing routine, not spending anywhere close to 2 minutes.
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Braces look like they may be some kind of medieval torture device, but they are a necessity if you want to have perfect teeth. There are several kinds available, so you can control the way your braces look and feel. Each of these kinds has several benefits and downsides, so make sure to do your research before you choose.
Removable Braces: Relief in an Instant
If you're worried about your braces hurting, then removable braces may be for you.
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So, you've just scheduled some serious dental surgery and your periodontist told you he's going to use nitrous oxide to make the procedure as pain-free as possible. Sounds good, but he lets it drop that you'll be awake during the surgery! If that scares you, don't let it: nitrous oxide is a safe and effective conscious anesthesia.
The Procedure
Nitrous oxide is a very simple anesthesia to deliver. It doesn't require injections or any other kind of invasive procedure.
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If your dentist has suggested a root canal, you're probably full of fear and angst. You think they're painful, lengthy, and the tooth will need to be removed anyway, right? Listed below are three common root canal myths and the truth.
Myth #1: The Tooth Will Need to be Removed Anyway
While some teeth may require extraction down the line, the entire point of a root canal is to prevent removal.
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If whitening strips leave you with the pain of ultra-sensitive teeth, maybe it's time to find a new way to whiten your smile at home. Consider trying one of these DIY teeth whitening remedies to achieve that beautiful, white smile you desire:
Oil Pulling
An ancient Ayurvedic practice, referred to as "oil pulling" since the 1990s, involves rinsing your mouth with plain coconut oil. Oil pulling has been known to gradually whiten teeth over time because it contains lauric acid, a natural ingredient that kills the bacteria found in plaque.
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It is common to suffer from some form of dental anxiety. It could be as simple as sweaty palms as you are sitting in the dentist's chair, or maybe it is an overwhelming fear that prevents you from making your regular 6 month appointment. If you suffer from dental anxiety, try one of these tips to help yourself get over it.
Use A Dental Bite Block
A problem you may have when it comes to your dental appointment is keeping your mouth wide open for an extended period of time.
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